Apparatus and method for managing security domains for a universal integrated circuit card

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/267,153 filed May 1, 2014. The contents of the foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

0002The subject disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for managing security domains for a universal integrated circuit card.

BACKGROUND

0003Electronic devices are being utilized with more frequency to store data and distribute the data to other devices. The data can often be private or confidential, and users desire to have confidence that communications with other devices or systems remain secure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0004Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system that enables use of a UICC in managing security domains;

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system including the communication device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> implementing authentication and management functions, as well as provisioning functions and encryption functions;

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-12</figref> depict illustrative embodiments of security domain configurations for a UICC that can be separated into card management, Global Platform services management and telephony management;

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portions of the systems described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-12</figref>;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system that provides media services and secure communications through use of a UICC that includes a security domain configuration;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device that can provide for secure communications through use of a security domain structure of a UICC; and

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0012The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of structure(s) and/or technique(s) for implementing or otherwise interacting with a security domain structure within a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), including creation and management of security domains. In one or more embodiments, the exemplary embodiments provide a security domain structure of a UICC that can be implemented based on Global Platform (GP) standards. In one or more embodiments, methods for creating operator specific security domain structures for both the UICC and eUICC are described. One or more of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented by various entities including groups and individuals responsible for developing and managing standards, the UICC/eUICC, the remote provisioning infrastructure, and/or the SIM-based services.

0013One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a device that includes a universal integrated circuit card, a processor, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The device can, responsive to an over-the-air message, generate a security domain root structure for a universal integrated circuit card of the end user device. The security domain root structure can include a hierarchy of a link provider operator security domain above a mobile network operator trusted security domain, where the link provider operator security domain enables transport management by a link provider operator, and where the mobile network operator trusted security domain enables card content management and subscription eligibility verification by a mobile network operator trusted service manager. In one or more embodiments, the device is limited to a single mobile network operator trusted security domain.

0014One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a computer-readable storage device comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of an end user device, facilitate performance of operations, that include generating a security domain root structure for a universal integrated circuit card of the end user device, where the security domain root structure includes a hierarchy of a link provider operator security domain above a mobile network operator trusted security domain, where the link provider operator security domain enables transport management by a link provider operator, and where the mobile network operator trusted security domain enables card content management and subscription eligibility verification by a mobile network operator trusted service manager. The operations can include adjusting the security domain root structure to include a service provider trusted security domain in the hierarchy below the link provider operator security domain, where the service provider trusted security domain enables a third party trusted service manager to perform card content management actions to applications and security domains that subtend it without obtaining authorization from the mobile network operator trusted service manager.

0015One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a method that includes determining, by a system including a processor, to operate a universal integrated circuit card of an end user device in a delegated mode, where the system is operated by a mobile network operator trusted service manager, and where the universal integrated circuit card has a security domain root structure with a hierarchy including a mobile network operator trusted security domain. The method can include, responsive to the determining to operate in the delegated mode, causing, by the system, the security domain root structure of the universal integrated circuit card to add a service provider trusted security domain in the hierarchy below the mobile network operator trusted security domain. The method can include receiving, by the system, a request from a third party trusted service manager to perform a card content management action. The method can include enabling, by the system via the mobile network operator trusted security domain, the third party trusted service manager to perform the card content management action to applications and security domains that subtend it via the service provider trusted security domain.

0016In one or more embodiments, the UICC (or secure element), the secure device processor and/or a device processor can be separate but in communication with each other. The UICC can be a highly secure computing platform for storing secrets such as encryption keys and authentication credentials, and can host and execute applets. The secure device processor can be a processor that is logically and/or physically separate from the device processor (and/or the secure element), and can offer more security than the device processor, but not as much security as the secure element. Examples of a secure device processor can include a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and an embedded Secure Element (eSE). Other embodiments are included in the subject disclosure.

0017One or more of the exemplary embodiments can utilize techniques and/or components, in whole or in part, described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/091,679 filed on Nov. 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

0018In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a system <b>100</b> that includes a communication device <b>102</b> connected to or otherwise in communication with a network <b>122</b> and provided with a secure services platform <b>110</b> having a UICC <b>108</b> enabling secure communications via a security domain configuration that can be divided into card management, Global Platform services management and telephony management. The UICC <b>108</b> can operate in various modes that dictate or otherwise define how other systems (e.g., server <b>150</b>), such as Link Provider Operator (LPO), Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and/or third party Service Provider (SP) Trusted Services Manager (TSM), communicate with the communication device <b>102</b>. In one embodiment, a third party is an entity that is unrelated to the other providers or, if related, is operated independently of one or more of the other providers.

0019In one or more embodiments, system <b>100</b> enables the UICC to operate in various modes of operation including a simple mode (e.g., service providers can connect directly to an MNO TSM which is responsible for eligibility checking, content management, and/or service personalization); a delegated mode (e.g., supporting one or more NFC (Near Field Communication) services from service providers that do not have their own SP TSM and/or supporting one or more NFC services from service providers that are providing their own SP TSM but want to use the MNO's LPO platform for Over-The-Air messaging (OTA)); and authorized management/dual mode (e.g., supporting one or more NFC services from service providers that do not have their own SP TSM, supporting one or more NFC services from a service provider that is providing its own SP TSM but wants to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA, and/or supporting one or more NFC services from a service provider that is providing its own SP TSM and OTA platform). In one or more embodiments, an Application Provided Security Domain (APSD) (or service provider security domain) can be utilized. In some instances, the APSD can be connected directly to TSDs. In other examples, the APSD can connect to a TSD (e.g., an MNO and/or SP) or directly to an LPO, such as when the MNO TSD is not in the hierarchy (authorized management) and there is no SP TSD. In one or more embodiments, the LPO and the TSD can be combined. In various embodiments described herein the APSD can be the SP SD.

0020It will be appreciated that the communication device <b>102</b> may be any device, including a user device. Device <b>102</b> is described as including a UICC and a secure device processor, but other embodiments can combine these components into a single processing unit. The term “user,” in this example, refers to a human user of the communication device. However, in other embodiments, the user can be a machine that exchanges data with the communication device <b>102</b> after being authenticated to the communication device. In other embodiments, the UICC can be utilized without an SDP.

0021Communication device <b>102</b> can include a device processor <b>104</b>, the SDP <b>106</b> and the secure element <b>108</b> (e.g., which can include or otherwise be the UICC). As an example, the UICC <b>108</b> can be various types of smart cards including a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card or other types of secure elements. The UICC <b>108</b> can be a secure computing platform and can offer a high level of security for storing encryption keys, authentication credentials, and the like. The UICC <b>108</b> may be removable from the device. In other embodiments, the UICC <b>108</b> may be embedded in the device and not removable. In other embodiments, the UICC <b>108</b> can be placed on a memory card or an embedded chip.

0022In one or more embodiments, the SDP <b>106</b> can be logically and/or physically separate from the device processor <b>104</b>, and can be connected to both the device processor and the UICC <b>108</b>. In this embodiment, the SDP <b>106</b> can offer a higher level of security than the device processor <b>104</b>, and can store and execute secure applications. The SDP <b>106</b> can, for example, run applications in a trusted execution environment. The UICC <b>108</b> and SDP <b>106</b> together can form a secure services platform <b>110</b> resident on the device <b>102</b>. In this embodiment, the UICC <b>108</b>, the SDP <b>106</b> and the device processor <b>104</b> can each have a security level associated therewith, and the security level associated with the SDP <b>106</b> can be intermediate between that of the UICC <b>108</b> and that of the device processor <b>104</b>. The SDP <b>106</b> and UICC <b>108</b> can use mutual authentication, as described in more detail below.

0023The UICC <b>108</b> and the SDP <b>106</b> can communicate with a remote management (function) server <b>120</b>, located remotely from device <b>102</b>. The Remote Management Server (RMS) <b>120</b> can be a platform for provisioning and/or managing applications in the UICC <b>108</b> and the SDP <b>106</b>. The RMS <b>120</b> can also manage data (such as keys, credentials, and so forth) that are used by the applications. Examples of remote management servers are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/679,479 filed on Nov. 16, 2012 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/680,680 filed on Nov. 19, 2012, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In one or more embodiment, the RMS, which can include a TSM, may also manage the security domains which themselves can be applications.

0024In this embodiment, communication device <b>102</b> can be a wireless communication device connected to a cellular network <b>122</b>. Network <b>122</b> can also be other types of networks operating according to various communication protocols, such as a WiFi network. In other embodiments, device <b>102</b> can be connected to other devices via a wired connection through a computer. In still other embodiments, user devices can communicate with each other using Bluetooth®, infrared communications (IRDa) and/or NFC. A communication session between user devices, wherein information is transferred between the users, can be effected by a wide variety of arrangements. A secure application server (SAS) can be used in some embodiments to establish a secure communication session between devices. However, in some embodiments a secure application server may not be used where the communication session is established in a peer-to-peer manner, such as in Bluetooth®, IRDa or NFC.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic illustration <b>200</b> showing details of a secure services platform <b>110</b>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which can be used with the communication device <b>102</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The UICC <b>108</b> can contain an authentication management function <b>202</b> and an encryption key generator <b>204</b>. The authentication management function <b>202</b> can provide authentication services for the device. For example, the authentication management function <b>202</b> can support mutual authentication of components of the device <b>102</b> or mutual authentication between different devices. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the authentication management function <b>202</b> can include a user authentication service <b>212</b> for authenticating the user to the device and a network authentication service <b>214</b> for authenticating the device to network equipment. The encryption key generator <b>204</b> can supply encryption keys (e.g., a temporary encryption key) to an encryption engine <b>206</b> which is located in the SDP <b>106</b>. In one embodiment, the key generation and/or the encryption can be performed in real-time. In one embodiment, the encryption engine <b>206</b> can encrypt and decrypt user information transmitted to or from a bearer path <b>216</b> that terminates at another device (e.g., another user device), and/or may encrypt and decrypt information transmitted on a signaling path <b>218</b> to the network. In another embodiment, the encryption engine can be loaded on a second UICC, separate from the UICC <b>108</b>.

0026The RMS <b>120</b> can perform a remote provisioning and management function <b>210</b> to load applications, content and/or other information (e.g., various keysets) into the UICC <b>108</b> and/or SDP <b>106</b>. In this embodiment, the RMS <b>120</b> can provision the authentication management function <b>202</b> and encryption key generator <b>204</b> on the UICC <b>108</b>, and can provision the encryption engine <b>206</b> on the SDP <b>106</b>. This can be done securely by the use of one or more remote management keysets. In one embodiment, before the secure services platform <b>110</b> can be used for communication, the SDP <b>106</b> can be authenticated by the UICC <b>108</b>. In one embodiment, this can be done using a UICC-SDP keyset. The UICC-SDP keyset may be provisioned remotely by the RMS <b>120</b> or locally by an authorized user. In this embodiment, after the UICC <b>108</b> and SDP <b>106</b> are mutually authenticated using the UICC-SDP keyset, they can communicate via a signaling path <b>208</b> within the secure services platform <b>110</b>. The UICC-SDP keyset may be used for secure communication during initial loading and provisioning. However, the keys being utilized may be different. In one embodiment, the path between the UICC <b>108</b> and the SDP <b>106</b> can go through the device processor <b>104</b> rather than directly between the UICC and the SDP.

0027Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, another exemplary UICC <b>300</b> of an end user device (e.g., a mobile phone) is illustrated in which the UICC is divided into three groups of security domains: card management, GP services management, and telephony management. The UICC <b>300</b> allows for telephony management to be placed in a security domain separate from an Issuer Security Domain (ISD). ISD keys can require a very high level of security that may not be necessary for the management of profiles, such as telephony profiles. In the exemplary embodiments, the profiles may be referred to as telephony profiles. These profiles may be limited to telephony information or they may also include other information (in place of or in addition to telephony information) related to other services including video, messaging and/or data). Placing telephony management functions (or one or more other functions such as of a mobile network operator) in a separate security domain allows operation with a lower set of security requirements than the ISD. The UICC <b>300</b> provides an LPO Security Domain (SD) that is separate from the MNO (Trusted Security Domain) TSD so as to remove secure channel management associated with transport (e.g., SCP80/81) from the MNO TSM. This allows the MNO TSM to manage applications directly using its own application key (e.g., SCP02/03) while making use of secure transport from the LPO and it allows an SP TSM to operate with Authorized Management (AM) while using the same LPO as the MNO TSM.

0028The card management domain of the UICC <b>300</b> can include the ISD and can optionally include a Controlling Authority Security Domain (CASD) and/or a Verification Authority Security Domain (VASD). For example, the CASD can be utilized for confidential card content management (CCCM), while the VASD is utilized for mandated Dedicated Access Privilege (DAP). In one embodiment, the GP services management domain includes all of the Supplemental Security Domains (SSDs) and applications related to GP-based services. In one embodiment, the telephony management domain includes the telephony profile for the UICC <b>300</b>. In one or more embodiments, a “SIM-based” service can operate without a TSM. For example, an application can operate via the authorized management mode.

0029The UICC <b>300</b> can be utilized in various ways for “SIM-based” services, including mobile wallet, transportation, building access, ID management, and more. Each of these services utilize some type of network management infrastructure, such as an Over-the-Air (OTA) platform, one or more Trusted Service Managers (TSMs) and corresponding management functions in the form of security domains within the UICC and eUICC. As the number of services proliferate, the network management infrastructure and corresponding UICC/eUICC security domain structure will grow, which is accounted for in the exemplary embodiments.

0030In one or more embodiments of the UICC <b>300</b> (and its respective end user device), applications can be loaded and managed remotely via an OTA process utilizing a mechanism to support various use cases while maintaining an ability to fully manage the UICC in situ. The UICC <b>300</b> can support multiple service providers, TSMs, and OTA platforms; support various modes of operation (e.g., simple mode, delegated mode, and dual mode); support full remote management; minimize mass reconfigurations; minimize or otherwise reduce the need or desire for a UICC swap; and/or minimize or otherwise reduce the total number of security domain configurations.

0031The UICC <b>300</b> can utilize a modular approach to management of security domains within the UICC. The UICC <b>300</b> enables multiple security domains supporting multiple modes of operation to be created and managed remotely; while also creating and managing security domains for very simple use case scenarios.

0032In one embodiment, the card management domain contains card management functions specified by GP such as the ISD, CASD, and VASD where there is only one card management domain per UICC. In this embodiment, there is only one ISD in the card management domain. The CASD and VASD can be optional depending on implementation. In one embodiment, the ISD can be accessed using the ISD's SCP80 and/or SCP81 transport keysets.

0033Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the GP services management domain <b>400</b> is illustrated. In one embodiment, the GP services management domain <b>400</b> can include all supplemental security domains and applications related to services whose management is governed by GP. The GP services management domain <b>400</b> can include one or more hierarchies of supplemental security domains called SSD root structures. As an example, each SSD root can include one or more security domains operating in various modes of operation and/or third party OTA platforms.

0034Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a GP services management domain <b>500</b> is illustrated that has been populated or otherwise adjusted to include within each SSD root structure (only one is shown) an Link Provider Operator Security Domain (LPO SD) which corresponds to an OTA platform used to transport management messages over the air. The Link Provider Operator can use transport keys for secure communications with the UICC such as SCP80 and/or SCP81 transport keysets. In one or more embodiments, there can be more than one LPO SD in an SSD root structure. In this example, only one can be at the top of the hierarchy.

0035In the first SSD root structure, immediately below the LPO SD is a Mobile Network Operator Trusted Secure Domain (MNO TSD) with the Authorized Management (AM) privilege that is associated with an MNO TSM. The MNO TSM can perform device and mobile subscription eligibility verification, as well as card content management using various keysets for secure communications, such as SCP02 or SCP03 keysets. The MNO TSM can support service providers and Service Provider Trusted Services Managers (SP TSMs) operating in Simple and Delegated modes (SM and DM, respectively), and in some embodiments it can manage applications. In one or more embodiments, the MNO TSM can cause the generation of SP Trusted Security Domains (TSDs) (and SP SDs which are not shown) below the MNO TSD for the SP TSMs it manages and can assign them with an SCP keyset (e.g., personalization) and a set of privileges. The SCP keys can be rotated through the services of the CASD to ensure that only the SP TSM and its corresponding TSD have the actual keys that will be used between them. In one or more embodiments, the MNO TSM does not manage the SP TSMs but rather manages the actions (e.g., content card management) that the SP TSMs perform while managing their subtending applications. In one or more embodiments, the MNO TSM does not manage the APSDs and/or the SP SDs but rather manages the actions (e.g., content card management) that the APSDs and/or the SP SDs perform while managing their subtending applications.

0036When supporting service providers and SP TSMs operating in Simple Mode, the MNO TSM can perform content card management actions such as application loading and service personalization on behalf of the service providers. In addition, the MNO TSM can cause SP TSDs to be generated in the UICC <b>300</b> under it for all SP TSMs that it supports. When supporting SP TSMs operating in Delegated Mode (DM), the MNO TSM can cause an SP TSD to be generated in the SSD root structure below the MNO TSD, can assign it with the Delegated Management privilege, and can use token verification and receipt generation to authorize the SP TSM to perform various card content management actions. In one embodiment, key rotation can be utilized such as described above for the SP TSD operating in Simple Mode. In one or more embodiments, service provider SDs (which are not using an SP TSD) can also operate with the DM. As described above, ASPDs can be used interchangeably with SP SDs.

0037In one embodiment, if the SP TSM operating in Delegated Mode wishes to use the LPO corresponding to the LPO SD, the MNO TSM can grant the SP TSD a Trusted Path privilege. The Trusted Path privilege allows commands from the SP TSM to be passed from the SP TSD to the LPO SD, bypassing the MNO TSD. If the SP TSM intends to use its own OTA platform, an SP LPO SD can be created by the MNO TSM in the SSD root structure between the MNO TSD and the SP TSD and can be provided with SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets. These SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets may then be rotated using the services of the CASD. In one embodiment, token verification and receipt generation can make use of the Trusted Path privilege to operate between the SP TSD and the MNO TSD. In one or more embodiments, service provider SDs can operate with DM (e.g., SPs which do not use an SP TSM).

0038In one embodiment, SP TSDs, which use the LPO corresponding to the LPO SD for transport but operate with the Authorized Management privilege, can be created by the ISD and located below the LPO SD in the SSD root structure hierarchy. These SP TSDs can operate independently of the MNO TSM and can have their own SCP02 and/or SCP03 keysets which may be rotated after creation using the services of the CASD. In one or more embodiments, service provider SDs (which do not use an SP TSD) can also operate with AM.

0039In one embodiment, SP TSDs, which operate with Authorized Management and utilize their own OTA platform, can be located in a separate SSD root structure that does not contain an MNO TSD. This second or more SSD root structure can be created by the ISD and can be comprised of an SP LPO SD with SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets and an SP TSD with SCP02 and/or SCP03 keysets. These keysets may be rotated using the services of the CASD. As described above, the GP Services domain can support multiple applications, LPOs, and/or SP TSDs operating in simple, delegated, and/or dual modes. These examples can also be utilized by service provider SDs operating with AM (e.g., SPs which do not use an SP TSM). One or more embodiments can also be SP SDs operating with SM, DM, and AM when the SPs are not using SP TSMs.

0040Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated that includes a security domain <b>600</b> which includes the card management domain, the GP services management domain and the telephony management domain. The telephony management domain can contain Remote File Management (RFM) applications which are used to remotely manage legacy telecommunications operations, such as defined by 3GPP. In one embodiment, these applications can be accessed through an LPO SD with the Authorized Management privilege using an SCP80 and/or SCP81 keyset. In another embodiment, the telephony management domain can be placed under the ISD. The telephony management domain can be capable of supporting multiple operator profiles such as those defined in the GSMA embedded SIM remote provisioning architecture. In one embodiment, a UICC can have a single operator profile while an eUICC may have multiple profiles. The security domain <b>600</b> can include the CASD and/or VASD as optional. Within the GP services management domain, there may be one or more SSD root structures, and within each SSD root structure there may be multiple SP TSMs operating in Simple, Delegated, and/or Dual Mode. In one embodiment, there can be a single telephony profile and therefore a single telephony LPO SD. In one or more embodiments, the telephony profiles can be placed in or otherwise provisioned to the ISD such that the telephony management domain is combined with the card management domain.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-12</figref> illustrate UICC expansion via security domain management. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a first phase <b>700</b> where there are not yet any Global Platform Services. For instance, phase <b>700</b> can be when the UICC <b>300</b> is first put into service. At this point, the UICC may have only the ISD, CASD, and telephony SD defined without yet having an SSD root structure. The ISD and telephony SD can each have their own set of SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets. The UICC <b>300</b> would not yet be ready to support Global Platform services.

0042In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a second phase <b>800</b> where there is a single MNO TSM supporting operation in a Simple Mode. For example, in order to enable the UICC <b>300</b> to support Global Platform services, an SSD root structure can be created over the air using the services of the ISD. Two security domains can be created in the UICC <b>300</b>, one for the OTA and one for the MNO/SP TSD. In one embodiment, the LPO SD can be provided with a set of SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets. The MNO/SP TSD can be provided with a set of SCP02 and/or SCP03 keysets and can be granted Authorized Management. In one embodiment, service providers can connect directly to the MNO TSM and can operate in Simple Mode. The MNO TSM can be responsible for eligibility checking, content management, and/or service personalization. An example of this configuration is a UICC that supports one or more NFC services from service providers who do not have their own SP TSM and who wish to operate in SM.

0043In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a third phase <b>900</b> where there is a single MNO TSM supporting Simple and Delegated Modes. The previous use case of second phase <b>800</b> does not support third Party TSMs. One way to support third party TSMs is through Delegated Management. When operating in Delegated Mode, the third party SP TSM can ask permission or otherwise seek authorization from the MNO TSM when it wishes to perform card content management actions within its SP TSD and to applications below it. To support the third party SP TSM, the MNO TSM must create a new security domain for the 3^rdParty SP TSM and grant it the Delegated Management privilege. In one embodiment, the MNO TSM can have the token verification and receipt generation privileges. If it does not have these privileges, they can be granted by the ISD. In this example, the SP TSD does not have its own OTA platform and can use the services of the LPO. An example of this configuration is a UICC that supports one or more NFC services from service providers who do not have their own SP TSM, and/or supports one or more NFC services from service providers who are providing their own SP TSM but want to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA. These examples can be applied to a single MNO TSM supporting SM as well as a single MNO TSM supporting SM and DM.

0044In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a fourth phase <b>1000</b> where there is a single MNO TSM supporting Simple and Delegated Modes with support for third party OTA. For example, if an SP TSM intends or desires to use its own OTA platform while operating in Delegated Mode, then two security domains can be created in the SSD root structure hierarchy under the MNO TSD: one for the SP TSM OTA platform and one for the SP TSD. An example of this configuration is a UICC that supports one or more NFC services from service providers who do not have their own SP TSM; supports one or more NFC services from service providers who are providing their own SP TSM but want to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA; and/or supports one or more NFC services from service providers who are providing their own SP TSM and OTA platform.

0045In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a fifth phase <b>1100</b> where there is a single MNO TSM supporting Simple and Delegated Modes and supporting SP TSMs with Authorized Management. In this example, another mode of operation for a third party SP TSM is Authorized Management (Dual Mode). With Authorized Management, the SP TSM can manage applications under its SP TSD independently from and without obtaining authorization from the MNO TSM. To support the third party SP TSM, the ISD must create a new security domain for the third party SP TSM and grant it the Authorized Management privilege. Since the third party SP TSM intends to use the LPO, this security domain can be created under the existing LPO SD as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. The newly generated third party TSD can be provided with an initial set of SCP02 and/or SCP03 keysets from the ISD. Once the security domain is created, these keysets can be rotated via the CASD to ensure that the contents are not visible to either the MNO TSM or the LPO. An example of this configuration is a UICC that supports one or more NFC services from service providers who do not have their own SP TSM; supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM but wants to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA; supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM and OTA platform; and/or supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM and wishes to operate with Authorized Management but wants to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA.

0046In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the UICC <b>300</b> is illustrated in a sixth phase <b>1200</b> where there is a single MNO TSM supporting Simple and Delegated Modes and supporting SP TSMs with Authorized Management and third party OTA. For example, if an SP TSM operating in Authorized Mode intends or desires to use its own OTA platform, then two security domains can be created by the ISD under a new SSD root structure (SSD Root <b>2</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>): one for the SP TSM OTA platform and one for the SP TSM. In the new SSD root structure an SP LPO SD can be created with SCP80 and/or SCP81 keysets and the SP TSD can be created with SCP02 and/or SCP03 keysets. Once created, the keysets can be rotated using the CASD. The SP TSD in the new SSD root structure can be granted the Authorized Management privilege. An example of this configuration is a UICC that supports one or more NFC services from service providers who do not have their own SP TSM; supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM but wants to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA; supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM and OTA platform; supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM and wishes to operate with Authorized Management but wants to use the MNO's LPO platform for OTA; and/or supports one or more NFC services from a service provider who is providing its own SP TSM, wishes to operate with Authorized Management, and is providing its own OTA.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method for managing security domains in a UICC of an end user device. More or less than the steps described in method <b>1300</b> can be performed in one or more exemplary embodiments, and the order of steps can be rearranged.

0048Method <b>1300</b> can begin at <b>1302</b> where a UICC <b>300</b> includes an ISD, a CASD and a telephony SD. The UICC <b>300</b> can receive an over-the-air message and responsive to the over-the-air message at <b>1304</b> can generate a SSD root structure for the UICC. The SSD root structure can have a hierarchy with an LPO SD above an MNO TSD. In one embodiment, the LPO SD enables transport management by a link provider operator. In another embodiment, the MNO TSD enables card content management and/or subscription eligibility verification by an MNO TSM.

0049At <b>1306</b>, responsive to a determination to operate in a delegated mode, the UICC <b>300</b> can adjust the SSD root structure to include a SP TSD in the hierarchy below the MNO TSD. In one embodiment, the SP TSD enables a third party trusted service manager to perform card content management actions subject to authorization from the MNO TSM. At <b>1308</b>, responsive to a determination to allow the third party trusted service manager to utilize a third party over-the-air platform, the UICC <b>300</b> can adjust the SSD root structure to include an SP LPO SD in the hierarchy below the MNO TSD and to include another SP TSD in the hierarchy below the SP LPO SD. In one or more embodiments, the SP TSD can be added to the hierarchy when operating in SM as well as DM. For example, the UICC can adjust the SSD root structure to include a SP TSD below the MNO TSD after a determination to operate in a simple mode as well as a determination to operate in a delegated mode.

0050At <b>1310</b>, responsive to a determination to operate in an authorized management/dual mode, the UICC <b>300</b> can adjust SSD root structure to include another SP STD in the hierarchy below the LPO SD, where the SP TSD enables a third party trusted service manager to perform card content management actions without obtaining authorization from the mobile network operator trusted service manager. At <b>1312</b>, responsive to a determination to allow a third party trusted service manager to utilize a third party over-the-air platform, the UICC <b>300</b> can generate another SSD root structure that includes a second hierarchy of an SP LPO SD above another SP TSD.

0051Method <b>1300</b> allows for the UICC <b>300</b> to include the ISD, the CASD and the telephony SD when the SSD root structure is generated. In one embodiment, the LPO SD can utilize a first keyset for first secure transmissions, and the MNO TSD can utilize a second keyset for second secure transmissions. In another embodiment, the UICC <b>300</b> can include a CASD and an SP TSD, wherein the SP TSD utilizes a keyset to securely communicate with a third party trusted service manager, and where the keyset is generated by the CASD.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system <b>1400</b> for delivering media content and allowing end user communication. The communication system <b>1400</b> can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system <b>1400</b> can be overlaid or operably coupled with systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> as another representative embodiment of communication system <b>1400</b>. In one or more embodiments, system <b>1400</b> enables a UICC to manage security domains to facilitate communications including “SIM-based” services, such as mobile wallet, transportation, building access, ID management, and more.

0053System <b>1400</b> allows for a determination to operate the UICC of an end user device in a delegated mode where the system is operated by an MNO TSM and where the UICC has a SSD root structure with a hierarchy including an MNO TSD; responsive to determining to operate in the delegated mode, causing the SSD root structure of the UICC to add an SP TSD in the hierarchy below the MNO TSD; receiving a request from a third party trusted service manager to perform a card content management action; and/or enabling via the MNO TSD, the third party trusted service manager to perform the card content management action via the SP TSD. System <b>1400</b> also enables the SSD root structure to include an LPO SD in the hierarchy above the MNO TSD, wherein the LPO SD enables transport management by an LPO, and where the MNO TSD enables card content management and/or subscription eligibility verification by the MNO TSM. In one embodiment, the LPO SD can utilize a first keyset for first secure transmissions, and the MNO TSD can utilize a second keyset for second secure transmissions. In another embodiment, the UICC can include a CASD, where the SP TSD can utilize a keyset to securely communicate with the third party trusted service manager, and where the keyset is generated by the CASD. In another embodiment, the UICC includes an ISD, a CASD, and a telephony security domain when the SSD root structure is generated. In one or more embodiments, a determination by a system to operate in a delegated mode may not be the only cause for an SP TSD to be created under the MNO TSD. An SP TSD may operate in SM.

0054The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) <b>1410</b> with at least one super headend office server (SHS) <b>1411</b> which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server <b>1411</b> can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS) <b>1414</b> via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) <b>1412</b> according to a multicast communication protocol.

0055The VHS <b>1414</b> can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network <b>1418</b> to commercial and/or residential buildings <b>1402</b> housing a gateway <b>1404</b> (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network <b>1418</b> can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs <b>1419</b> to buildings <b>1402</b>. The gateway <b>1404</b> can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors <b>1406</b> such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices <b>1408</b> such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller <b>1407</b> (such as an infrared or RF remote controller).

0056The gateway <b>1404</b>, the media processors <b>1406</b>, and media devices <b>1408</b> can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and the ZigBee Alliance, respectively). By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors <b>1406</b> and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

0057A satellite broadcast television system <b>1429</b> can be used in the media system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system <b>1400</b>. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite <b>1415</b> that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver <b>1431</b> coupled to the building <b>1402</b>. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver <b>1431</b> can be transferred to the media processors <b>1406</b> for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices <b>1408</b>. The media processors <b>1406</b> can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network <b>1432</b> to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

0058In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system <b>1433</b> can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system <b>1400</b>. In this embodiment, the cable TV system <b>1433</b> can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

0059The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

0060Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices <b>1430</b>, a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network <b>1432</b> to wireline media devices <b>1408</b> or wireless communication devices <b>1416</b>.

0061Communication system <b>1400</b> can also provide for computing devices <b>1430</b> to function as an LPO platform, an MNO TSM, various other TSMs (e.g., SP TSM), a remote management server and/or an application server (herein referred to as server <b>1430</b>). The server <b>1430</b> can use computing and communication technology to perform function <b>1462</b>, which can include among other things, separating an LPO SD from the MNO TSD to remove secure channel management associated with transport from the MNO TSM; enabling the MNO TSM to manage applications directly using its own application key while making use of secure transport from the LPO; allowing an SP TSM to operate with Authorized Management while using the same LPO as the MNO TSM; allowing an SP TSM to perform card content management functions subject to permission from the MNO TSM, and so forth.

0062Function <b>1466</b> can include generating and adjusting the security domain of the UICC to provide for separate card management, GP services management and telephony management; adjusting the hierarchy in the GP services management security domain to add an LPO SD, an MNO TSD, an SP LPO SD, an SP TSD, and one or more other SSD root structures with their own hierarchy.

0063Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices over landline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless access base station <b>1417</b> operating according to common wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device <b>1500</b>. Communication device <b>1500</b> can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-14 and 16</figref>. Communication device <b>1500</b> can generate an SSD root structure for its UICC (e.g., in the secure services platform <b>110</b>), where the SSD root structure includes a hierarchy of an LPO SD above an MNO TSD, where the LPO SD enables transport management by an LPO, and where the MNO TSD enables card content management and/or subscription eligibility verification by an MNO TSM. Communication device <b>1500</b> can also adjust the SSD root structure to include an SP TSD in the hierarchy below the LPO SD, wherein the SP TSD enables a third party trusted service manager to perform card content management actions without obtaining authorization from the MNO TSM. In one embodiment, the communication device <b>1500</b> can adjust the SSD root structure to include another SP TSD in the hierarchy below the MNO TSD, where the other SP TSD enables another third party trusted service manager to perform card content management actions subject to authorization from the MNO TSM. In one embodiment, the communication device <b>1500</b> can, responsive to a determination to allow another third party trusted service manager to utilize a third party over-the-air platform, adjust the SSD root structure to include an SP LPO SD in the hierarchy below the MNO TSD and to include a third SP TSD in the hierarchy below the SP LPO SD. In another embodiment, the communication device <b>1500</b> can, responsive to a determination to allow another third party trusted service manager to utilize a third party over-the-air platform, generate another SSD root structure that includes a second hierarchy of an SP LPO SD above another SP TSD. In another embodiment, the UICC can include an ISD, a CASD, and a telephony security domain when the SSD root structure is generated. In another embodiment, the LPO SD can utilize a first keyset for first secure transmissions, and the MNO TSD can utilize a second keyset for second secure transmissions. In another embodiment, the UICC can include a CASD, where the SP TSD utilizes a keyset to securely communicate with the third party trusted service manager, and where the keyset is generated by the CASD.

0065In one embodiment, communication device <b>1500</b> can include a secure element (e.g., a UICC) and a secure device processor in the secure services platform <b>110</b> which perform the functions described in the exemplary embodiments herein.

0066To enable these features, communication device <b>1500</b> can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver <b>1502</b> (herein transceiver <b>1502</b>), a user interface (UI) <b>1504</b>, a power supply <b>1514</b>, a location receiver <b>1516</b>, a motion sensor <b>1518</b>, an orientation sensor <b>1520</b>, and a controller <b>1506</b> for managing operations thereof. The transceiver <b>1502</b> can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, NFC, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver <b>1502</b> can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, and so forth), and combinations thereof.

0067The UI <b>1504</b> can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad <b>1508</b> with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device <b>1500</b>. The keypad <b>1508</b> can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device <b>1500</b> or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad <b>1508</b> can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI <b>1504</b> can further include a display <b>1510</b> such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device <b>1500</b>. In an embodiment where the display <b>1510</b> is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad <b>1508</b> can be presented by way of the display <b>1510</b> with navigation features.

0068The display <b>1510</b> can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device <b>1500</b> can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display <b>1510</b> can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display <b>1510</b> can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device <b>1500</b> or an independent device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

0069The UI <b>1504</b> can also include an audio system <b>1512</b> that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system <b>1512</b> can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system <b>1512</b> can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI <b>1504</b> can further include an image sensor <b>1513</b> such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

0070The power supply <b>1514</b> can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device <b>1500</b> to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies.

0071The location receiver <b>1516</b> can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device <b>1500</b> based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor <b>1518</b> can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device <b>1500</b> in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor <b>1520</b> can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device <b>1500</b> (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

0072The communication device <b>1500</b> can use the transceiver <b>1502</b> to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller <b>1506</b> can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device <b>1500</b>.

0073Other components not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device <b>1500</b> can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller <b>1506</b> of the communication device <b>1500</b>. In yet another embodiment, the communication device <b>1500</b> can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device <b>1500</b> to force the communication device <b>1500</b> to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. In one embodiment, the communication device <b>1500</b> can also include a slot for adding or removing the UICC.

0074The communication device <b>1500</b> as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

0075The communication device <b>1500</b> can be adapted to perform the functions of the media processor <b>1406</b>, the media devices <b>1408</b>, the portable communication devices <b>1416</b> and/or the server <b>1430</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. It will be appreciated that the communication device <b>1500</b> can also represent other devices that can operate in communication system <b>1400</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, such as a gaming console and a media player.

0076The communication device <b>1500</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> or portions thereof can serve as a representation of one or more of the devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-14 and 16</figref> including end user devices, removable memory devices, customer premises equipment, remote management servers, application servers, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the recipient device can be servers operated by, or otherwise affiliated with, a third party entity that is different from and/or independent of the service provider operating the remote management server. In addition, the controller <b>1506</b> can perform the functions <b>1562</b> and/or <b>1566</b>.

0077Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below.

0078For example, various keysets can be utilized that are re-usable, rotated and/or one-time use keys which are deleted or otherwise rendered inoperable after being applied, such as for encryption, modification, decryption and/or un-modification. In one embodiment, encryption can be applied based on elliptical curve cryptography, Advance Encryption Standard (AES), and so forth. Other encryption techniques can be utilized, including symmetrical and/or asymmetrical cryptographic methods. One or more of the exemplary embodiments enable supporting one or more NFC services from services providers that do not have their own SP TSM for any of the management modes (e.g., simple, delegated and authorized). In one or more embodiments, a system can detect an SP TSM which wishes to operate in either SM or DM, and can then adjust the SSD root structure of a UICC accordingly. In one or more embodiments, a system can make a determination that an SP TSM or an AP/SP has determined to operate in any of the modes (SM, DM, or AM) and can then adjust the SSD root structure or create a new one accordingly.

0079Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

0080It should be understood that devices described in the exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth, which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a router).

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system <b>1600</b> within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can provide for generation and adjustment of the UICC to manage security domains. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the UICC, the mobile communication device, the MNO TSM, the LPO platform (or other equipment of the LPO), the third party service provider trusted services manager, the remote management server, the secure services platform (e.g., the secure element and/or the SDP), the device processor, and so forth. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network <b>1626</b>) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

0082The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

0083The computer system <b>1600</b> may include a processor (or controller) <b>1602</b> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory <b>1604</b> and a static memory <b>1606</b>, which communicate with each other via a bus <b>1608</b>. The computer system <b>1600</b> may further include a display unit <b>1610</b> (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system <b>1600</b> may include an input device <b>1612</b> (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device <b>1614</b> (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit <b>1616</b>, a signal generation device <b>1618</b> (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device <b>1620</b>. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units <b>1610</b> controlled by two or more computer systems <b>1600</b>. In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units <b>1610</b>, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units <b>1610</b>.

0084The disk drive unit <b>1616</b> may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium <b>1622</b> on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software <b>1624</b>) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions <b>1624</b> may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory <b>1604</b>, the static memory <b>1606</b>, and/or within the processor <b>1602</b> during execution thereof by the computer system <b>1600</b>. The main memory <b>1604</b> and the processor <b>1602</b> also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.

0085Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices that can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

0086In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs or instructions running on or executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logic components in an application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs, instructions, and so forth) including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

0087While the tangible computer-readable storage medium <b>1622</b> is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitory computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

0088The term “separate” can include a component or device that is logically and/or physically separate from another component or device, which can include components/devices that operate independently of each other while being in communication with each other. In one or more embodiments, devices can be separate in that they do not share any common component (although such separate devices can be in communication with each other such as via an electrode coupling). In one or more embodiments, devices can be separate in that they each have one or more components that are not shared between each other but have one or more components that may be shared with each other.

0089The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

0090Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP, NFC) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®, NFC), and long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by computer system <b>1600</b>.

0091The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

0092Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions (from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

0093Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every step needed to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed to perform the function.

0094In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controller or circuit) has been described that performs various functions. It should be understood that the processor can be multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a state machine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this can include the processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or component to perform the operations.

0095The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.